5 Autumn Essentials For Your Make Up Bag

As depressing as the dwindling sunlight may be, there are a few things to get us excited about the cooler months.

1. Ski season is near, meaning mulled wine, fresh powder and an excuse to eat a copious amount of raclette (google it, seriously). 2. Turtlenecks, coats, chunky knits and layers mean that creativity in the fashion realm is at an all time high. 3. It's time to up your makeup game. As the weather changes, so does our skin and thus, our makeup bag. Adjust your primers, break out your bronzers and find a foundation that can withstand the cold, rain and wind.

The best thing about Mecca’s Soft Focus Primer is that it's like having your own soft focus filter with an amazingly fresh and light formula that helps to hydrate and soothe your skin like a moisturiser. During autumn it is key to ensure the skin is hydrated and soft to avoid any unwanted dry spots. Its antioxidant vitamin Coenzyme Q10 protects your visage against free radicals while the Hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates. This baby will become your best friend by allowing you to flawlessly apply make-up. Oh, and it’s one of the most affordable primers around. #Winner.

When the weather is wet, windy and cold, you want to ensure you’re wearing a foundation that will last. If you’re like me and hate that “cake face” feel but love a full coverage base then it’s time you met Lancôme’s new Teint Idole Ultra Wear. Providing SPF15 coverage and a 24-hour lasting wear, this baby guarantees it is retouch free. Ideal right? Whether you're combatting the Wellington winds, facing the dry cold Southern air or Auckland’s rainy season, Lancôme Teint Idole Wear has you covered, literally.

This shiny capsule of goodness has been deemed by many as the holy grail of all bronzers. I have to agree that Hourglass’s bronzer is something you will quickly and wholeheartedly fall in love with. Whether you’re blessed with a dark pigment or need a little help to stay bronzed, Hourglass has packaged the bronze, the shine and the glow all into one compact and chic package. I won’t lie, I dreamt of the bronzer for a long time before purchasing.

There were two things you need out of a mascara in autumn. One is that it can withstand rain and wind. The second is that it's going to fit in your bag along with the scarf, finishing powder, lipstick and whatever other tools you need during the cooler months. The best thing about the audacious mascara is its ability to volumise and lift while coating lashes with nourishing and conditioning ingredients. Not only will you keep your lashes healthy but they’ll look good too.

Nothing screams 'autumn' more than a deep hue for the lip. Opt for deep purples, reds and browns that compliment the darker colours of autumn. M.A.C Cosmetics have released the ultimate deep hue in carnivorous. The liquid form makes application super easy alongside the specially-crafted application wand. This means you can easily stay inside the lip line when applying. Tip: add a little lip gloss to the middle of the lip to avoid that crusty look that matte lipsticks can often give.